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1 Contingency Planning for Natural Disasters Natural disasters can strike anyplace, anytime with little or no warning. Fortunately, a small degree of preparation and common sense can greatly increase one's chances of surviving a natural disaster. UNICEF offices are exposed to numerous dangers of nature because they are spread around the world. The following guidelines are offered to help you deal with earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, tornadoes and thunderstorms. Additionally, we have included generic communications and emergency funding information. Quick reference: Emergency contact page 1 Earthquakes pages 4-7 Floods pages 8-9 Cyclones/Hurricanes/ Typhoons pages 10-12 Tornadoes pages 13-14 Thunderstorms page 15 Communications page 16 Emergency funding pages 17-18 Disaster Web Pages 19-22 Procedures outlined herein are common sense and valid in most places in the world, but should be supplemented by country specific details. Local laws, customs, and other information about common and possible natural hazards can be obtained from the host country government or the International Red Cross. These general safety tips are meant to supplement your country specific security plan, which should include a section on actions to take in the event a natural disaster strikes. Once any type of natural disaster occurs, the Head of Office should notify the Designated Official and UNICEF’s Security Coordinator and Operations Center. Contact numbers are as follows: Security Coordinator: Marc Powe 212 326-7487 (office) 914 337-7505 (home) 917 913-2645 (mobile) OPSCEN (NYHQ): 212 326-7222 OPSCEN Fax 212 303-7924 e-mail: [email protected] Ray Baysden 212 593-0081 (home) 917 913-2643 (mobile) F:\WORKGRPS\EMOPS\OPSCEN\MELISSA\NATURAL.DOC

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Page 1: Contingency Planning for Natural Disasters - ReliefWeb · Contingency Planning for Natural Disasters Natural disasters can strike anyplace, ... Typhoons pages 10-12 Tornadoes pages

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Contingency Planning for Natural Disasters Natural disasters can strike anyplace, anytime with little or no warning. Fortunately, a small degree of preparation and common sense can greatly increase one's chances of surviving a natural disaster. UNICEF offices are exposed to numerous dangers of nature because they are spread around the world. The following guidelines are offered to help you deal with earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, tornadoes and thunderstorms. Additionally, we have included generic communications and emergency funding information. Quick reference: Emergency contact page 1 Earthquakes pages 4-7 Floods pages 8-9 Cyclones/Hurricanes/ Typhoons pages 10-12 Tornadoes pages 13-14 Thunderstorms page 15 Communications page 16 Emergency funding pages 17-18 Disaster Web Pages 19-22

Procedures outlined herein are common sense and valid in most places in the world, but should be supplemented by country specific details. Local laws, customs, and other information about common and possible natural hazards can be obtained from the host country government or the International Red Cross. These general safety tips are meant to supplement your country specific security plan, which should include a section on actions to take in the event a natural disaster strikes. Once any type of natural disaster occurs, the Head of Office should notify the Designated Official and UNICEF’s Security Coordinator and Operations Center. Contact numbers are as follows: Security Coordinator: Marc Powe 212 326-7487 (office) 914 337-7505 (home) 917 913-2645 (mobile) OPSCEN (NYHQ): 212 326-7222 OPSCEN Fax 212 303-7924 e-mail: [email protected] Ray Baysden 212 593-0081 (home) 917 913-2643 (mobile)

F:\WORKGRPS\EMOPS\OPSCEN\MELISSA\NATURAL.DOC

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Natural Disaster Safety Guidelines

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS Keep emergency items in one place, in a location that is easy to reach and known to all family and staff members. Emergency items should be ready to use at all times. Emergency item inventories should include:

•••• Emergency cooking equipment

•••• Drinking water

•••• First-aid kit

•••• Emergency spare clothing •••• Portable radio with spare batteries, etc.

•••• Lights, flashlights, and pocket torches in working order

•••• Food stocks which require little cooking and no refrigeration in case electric

power is interrupted

•••• Know how and where to turn off your electricity, gas and water and keep necessary tools readily accessible

Similar precautions should be taken with respect to valuables such as savings, passbook securities, cash, precious metals, seals. They should be kept in one secure place that all members of the staff and family are aware of. Discuss disaster risks with your colleagues and make advance arrangements on how to contact all the members of staff and family. When a disaster occurs effective communication and contact are essential, especially if all organizational members are not located in one place. Become thoroughly acquainted with existing shelters or any safe area in your vicinity and the best itinerary to get there before a natural disaster occurs. KEEP AWAY FROM DISASTER AREAS, unless: you are qualified to give valuable emergency assistance, you are allocated for a specific task related to the disaster, or you have genuine and urgent business there. Your presence will hamper rescue, first aid, or relief work.

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Once matters of immediate attention have been dealt with, make a report of the damage you have sustained and any urgent relief required due to the natural disaster to the Designated Official. Take inventory of damages to furniture, household effects and valuables. The following sections will address specific types of natural disasters, providing information on what to expect and specific guidelines on how to manage each type of situation. For additional information regarding natural disasters and the latest tracking information, refer to the URL addresses available at the end of this document.

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EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes can cause severe damage due to ground vibration, surface faulting, tectonic uplifts, and ground ruptures. They can trigger tsunamis, landslides, flooding, fires, dam failures, and other disasters several hundred kilometers from the epicenter. The actual movement of the ground during an earthquake seldom directly causes death or injury; most casualties result from falling objects and debris, or the collapse of buildings that were not built to "sway" during a quake (e.g., mud or brick, as opposed to wood or steel reinforced). What to Expect...

The more active earthquake zones are the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean-Himalayan belt, however they can occur anywhere in the world. Earthquakes fall into three categories: plate shifting or slipping, which is accompanied by horizontal ground movement; thrust quakes, where one tectonic plate will thrust up and over another, accompanied by a sharp upward movement; or a combination of the two.

During an earthquake, two or more 'waves' or 'shocks' of increasing magnitude can occur, 2

to 5 minutes apart. Foreshocks and aftershocks are earthquakes of lesser magnitude. Foreshocks can occur days or minutes before an earthquake. Aftershocks can be lethal and may continue for hours or years after the initial (strongest) quake. Buildings that survive the actual earthquake and can be destroyed by an aftershock. Common Misconceptions...

Earthquakes can initially be confused with less dangerous phenomena like the loud rumbling noise of a train or large truck. People may rush outside and be caught unprepared to face potentially dangerous shocks and falling debris. First, stand in a doorway and listen to determine the source of the rumbling before going to investigate. Initial signs of an earthquake can be car alarms and howling animals. Go to a safe area and wait (see below).

Driving when an earthquake occurs can be confused with getting a flat tire. If driving in an earthquake prone area and the car swerves suddenly, DON'T STOP. If you observe that other vehicles on the road are also swerving, it’s probably an earthquake. Drive quickly and carefully to an open area off the road; avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, and out of control vehicles. Stop and stay in the vehicle. During the Loma Prieta quake in the San Francisco area in 1989, those that stopped on the Oakland Freeway to investigate their 'flat tires' were killed when the freeway waved and collapsed behind them. Those that noticed the jerking motion and the swerving of the vehicles exited the freeway, and were the few that survived when the roadway came crashing down.

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Preparation For An Earthquake...

There is no such thing as "earthquake weather" or earthquake seasons. Earthquakes can occur at any time and any place. There are no proven scientific means of predicting them. UNICEF offices located in seismic areas should take the following actions in order to prepare and minimize the risks if an earthquake should happen:

•••• Make necessary repairs to home and office buildings

•••• Know location of emergency exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers

•••• Check for cracks in building foundations (a crack wider than 0.3 cm indicates a potential weakness)

•••• Insure building is attached directly to foundation, e.g., with bolts through the sill; this

may require an inspection by an expert

•••• Attach water heater securely to wall to prevent tipping

•••• If feasible, replace rigid water heater hoses with flexible piping

•••• Eliminate or minimize heavy furniture, chandeliers, heavy or glass framed wall hangings, tall book-shelves, breakable items (glass, mirrors, etc.) and any attached-to-the-wall construction

•••• Do not store heavy and bulky equipment, boxes, books, etc. on top of each other

•••• Store household chemicals and fuel to safeguard from falling and spilling

•••• Keep emergency supply kits in home, vehicle, and office.

•••• Sleep with flashlight and hard-soled shoes nearby (cuts from broken glass are a common

injury in earthquakes)

•••• Inform staff of safe places in offices (see below)

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During an Earthquake...

People should be instructed NOT TO RUSH OUTSIDE, even after the initial shock. The time span between first and second shocks is generally too short (2-5 minutes) for evacuation. The safest areas during an earthquake are away from heavy furniture or appliances, windows, fireplaces (crumbling chimneys), heaters, electric supply center, water and gas lines. Seek out spots protected from falling objects, such as, under a desk or table, in a doorway, or under main support beams. Elevators and stairways are very dangerous during an earthquake. Remain calm and remember these simple instructions:

•••• Get under a desk, table or doorway, and hang on

•••• Avoid panic and help others to remain calm

•••• Stay clear of windows, mirrors, fireplaces, heaters, heavy furniture and appliances

•••• DO NOT USE STAIRS OR ELEVATORS!

•••• If outside, stay in an open area away from buildings, power lines, bridges, trees, signs, light posts, etc.

•••• If in a vehicle, drive to an open area (see above), stop and stay inside

•••• If in a mountainous area watch for falling rocks, mudslides, etc.

After an Earthquake...

•••• Quickly estimate damage and further danger and make decision on a full/partial evacuation

•••• Check evacuation routes for obstacles, such as water (electrical hazard), fire, fallen

debris, or blocked passages

•••• If safe, evacuate staff away from buildings, light posts, electric power lines, etc.

•••• If possible, save first aid kit to assist injured

Do not permit re-entry before checking these potential risks:

•••• Fire or fire hazards •••• Gas leaks: if leak is suspected or identified shut off main gas valve

•••• Damaged electrical wiring: if there is any damage, shut off power at control box

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•••• Downed or damaged utility lines: DO NOT TOUCH downed power lines or

objects in contact with them

•••• Items in closets and cupboards which may tumble off shelves when door is opened

•••• Immediately clean up any spilled medicines, and other potentially harmful materials such as bleach, lye, gasoline or other petroleum products

•••• Check food and water supply Never assume that water is safe to drink unless it is bottled. If municipal water supply is cut

or contaminated and bottled water unavailable, boil water for drinking from water heaters, toilet reservoirs or swimming pools filled before the earthquake occurred.

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FLOODS

There are three main types of floods: river floods, flash floods, and coastal floods. River floods are due to heavy rains and/or snowmelt in up-stream areas. Flash floods result from isolated and localized intense rainstorms, dam failures, and breakups of ice jams. Coastal floods are associated with tropical cyclones, tsunami waves, and storm surges. Depending on depth of water, duration, velocity, rate of rise, frequency of occurrence, and season, floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, wash away buildings and bridges, and carve out new channels. Lethal waves can move at incredible speeds and exceed 2m in height.

Many floods are predictable by hours if caused by storm surges or rains accompanying tropical storms and by days if the result of melting snows or heavy rains up river. This allows time to move people, livestock and property to higher ground. Floods caused by intensive rainfall in localized areas are more difficult to predict, though they are typically seasonal. Avoid rivers, gullies and streams during flash flood season. In mountainous areas, when rainfall occurs at high elevations, lower elevations will have no warning of the wall of water that approaches.

Statistically, the largest numbers of casualties are children and the weak as a result of drowning or injuries from collapsing buildings and floating debris. Slow flooding causes few deaths or injuries, but has a higher incidence of snake-bites, malaria, diarrhea and viral infections, lasting up to ten weeks following flooding. Floods can make water sources inaccessible for days and cause losses of harvests and food stocks. Before a Flood...

�� Keep first aid supplies, batteries, drinking water, water purification kits, and canned food at hand

�� Arrange for auxiliary electrical supplies

�� Know your elevation above flood state

�� Know your evacuation route

�� If warning signal is received, move to safe area before access is cut by flood water

�� If required to evacuate, inform Designated Official and UNICEF Security Coordinator

During a Flood...

�� You may have only seconds! Avoid panic! Act quickly to save yourself, children and handicapped

�� If possible, save first aid kit

�� Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.

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�� Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas -- do not attempt to cross flowing

streams on foot where water is above the knee

�� If driving, know the depth of the water in a dip before crossing; if vehicle stalls, get out immediately and seek higher ground as rapidly rising water may engulf car and sweep it away

�� Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood danger.

After a Flood...

�� Search office/area for injured personnel and assist

�� Try to establish reliable communication with DO, UNICEF NYHQs, and/or representatives of international community in safe areas

�� Use flashlights, not candles or torches, to examine buildings (flammables may be

inside);

�� Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas; it should be checked and dried before use

�� Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with flood water

�� Boil drinking water

�� Estimate and report damage to Designated Official and the UNICEF Security

Coordinator

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CYCLONES/HURRICANES/TYPHOONS

Tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons are regional names for the same phenomenon. Cyclones occur in the Indian Ocean; hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic, Caribbean, and South Pacific; typhoons occur in the North and West Pacific. All are whirlwinds in which air moves in a tightening spiral around the "eye," or center of the storm. Near the center, winds may gust to more than 200 miles per hour. The storm can dominate ocean surfaces and lower atmospheres over thousands of square miles.

The eye of the storm is deceptive. At average speeds of 20-30 miles an hour, winds subside to relative calm and torrential rains yield when the calm side of the eye of the storm passes through a location. However, when the far side of the eye approaches, maximum winds develop from a direction opposite to that of the leading half of the storm. Lured from shelters by the initial calm, many can be killed or injured when the full force of the storm strikes. General understanding of storm phenomena, effective planning and adequate emergency preparation will lessen the impact of the storm on both people and property. Before the Storm...

Countries with high natural disaster profiles will likely have a cyclone/hurricane/typhoon warning or alert systems in place. If an effective alert system is not available, be aware of: seasonal factors, ocean temperatures at or above 27 degrees Celsius, and distant formations of thin horizontal or spiraling clouds, proceeded by strong winds and rain. Heed storm warnings even if weather is calm and dry. These storms strike suddenly. Look to the horizon for distant signs of disturbances, including white clouds. You may have limited time to prepare.

•••• When a storm is imminent, plan your time before storm arrives and avoid last minute

rushes, which might leave you unprepared

�� Establish an office routine of checking reports on progress of storms

�� Stock up on fresh water, canned food and batteries

�� Check location and contents of first aid kits

�� Know where emergency medical assistance can be obtained and where disaster stations will be set up before storm arrives

�� Board up windows with ply wood or protect them with storm shutters or tape (Danger

to small windows is mainly from wind-driven debris, larger windows may be broken by wind pressure)

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�� Secure all outdoor objects that might be blown away or uprooted by anchoring them or moving them indoors (trash cans, garden tools, signs, porch furniture, and other harmless items which become missiles in cyclone winds)

�� Stay away from oceans -- currents and riptides will be extraordinarily dangerous even if

sea is relatively calm During the Storm...

�� Remain indoors, preferably in an interior room without windows

�� If outdoors, leave low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves and seek shelter from flying debris

�� Stay calm and wait for all clear signal

Beware the eye of the storm. When the calm storm center passes, a lull in the wind can

occur lasting from minutes to over an hour. Stay in safe place, unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary, to avoid the cyclone force of the other side of the eye. After the Storm...

�� Stay out of disaster areas. Unless you are qualified to help, your presence might hamper first-aid and rescue work

�� Drive carefully along debris-filled streets, as damaged roads may collapse under the

weight of a car -- landslides along roadways are also a hazard

�� Avoid loose or dangling wires

�� Avoid use of candles (flashlights are preferred) and other fire hazards, as lowered water pressure will make fire fighting difficult

�� Stay away from river banks and streams as cyclones moving inland can cause severe

flooding

�� When electric power is disrupted, turn off appliances and light switches so that electric circuits will not be overloaded when electricity is restored

�� Eat food stored in refrigerators and freezers within first few hours only, otherwise eat canned food

�� Check on colleagues and assist anyone in need of medical attention

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�� Notify Designate Official and UNICEF Security Coordinator

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TORNADOES

Tornadoes are violently swirling columns of air that come in contact with the ground, usually as a result of severe spring or summer thunderstorms. Their duration is short and their path is small. However, when passing through populated areas tornadoes can cause total destruction. Tornado wind speeds can reach 100 to 300 miles per hour, travelling at an average rate of 30 miles per hour. Tornadoes can topple buildings, roll mobile homes/trailers, uproot trees, hurl people and animals hundreds of yards, and threaten with lethal wind borne debris. Tornadoes travel erratically, changing direction suddenly. Before a Tornado...

�� Know location of gas, electric, and water main valves and keep pipe and crescent wrenches handy for shutoffs

�� Know location of fire extinguishers, and insure that they are checked regularly

�� Keep emergency supply kits in offices, vehicles, and homes

During a Tornado...

If indoors:

�� Alert everyone to stay inside building

�� Get to basement, if possible

�� Move to interior closet, bathroom or hallway on lowest floor, and shut doors to minimize injuries from flying glass and debris

�� If in hallway area without doors, sit in center of area face wall

�� For added protection, sit under strong structure like a heavy desk and find cover under

blanket or sleeping bag

�� Protect your head by any means available

�� Do not use elevators since power may go off

�� Avoid rock or brick walls and chimneys which may collapse If outdoors:

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�� Get as far below ground as possible, i.e., in cave, ditch, gully or low spot in ground

�� Avoid rivers, streams, and other bodies of water since tornado may be accompanied by lightning and/or flash flooding

�� Avoid tree groves, glass, and areas of dense debris

If in a vehicle:

�� Get out and seek shelter

�� Do not seek shelter under vehicles since they can become flying missiles in tornado

�� Do not try to out run tornado as distances, path and speed are hard to determine

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THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

Lightning always accompanies thunderstorms, which generally occur during warm summer months. A single bolt of lightening can carry 100 million volts and intense heat. People are rarely directly struck by lightning but you can receive a charge from standing near an object that has been struck. Two-thirds of people struck by lightening survive; nevertheless lightening kills more people than hurricanes and tornadoes combined.

When struck by lightning, all cells in the body stop functioning momentarily, placing victims in state of suspended animation for 5-20 minutes during which respiration, heartbeat, and metabolism cease. Death can occur as result of lack of emergency medical attention since observers may assume the victim is dead when natural functions are interrupted. During a Thunderstorm...

Remain indoors and away from windows during thunderstorms. If you can not get indoors:

�� Do not be - or stand next to - tallest object in the area

�� Do not stand on hilltops or open beaches

�� Do not stand near wire fences, metal pipes, railroad tracks, or other metal objects that could conduct electricity

�� Do not stand in or near water

�� Do not seek shelter in small sheds or barns in open areas

�� If in closed vehicle, roll up windows and remain inside

�� If in vehicle, do not lean against doors or play radio

Seek shelter in a dry cave, gully or ditch lower than ground level

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Communicating in Emergencies…

The need to establish minimum standards for UNICEF personnel security and operational telecommunications in an emergency is paramount. Timely deployment of UNICEF/UN standard telecommunication resources is essential for rapid efficient, reliable and accurate information flows enabling emergency programmes to have optimal impact for target beneficiaries, to ensure the personal safety of staff, to stay abreast of a fast changing environment and to ensure operational accountability in reporting to NYHQ, donors, the host government and our partners.

1. UNICEF field offices should install and use portable INMARSAT/”mini-m’s” and/or Iridium standard telephones for voice and electronic mail traffic in an emergency.

2. UNICEF owned or leased vehicles travelling between cities or towns or operating in non-secure areas should be equipped with and use HF and VHF radio. 3. If possible, UNICEF owned or leased vehicles travelling between cities or towns or operating in non-secure areas should be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) units to be able to accurately report their location in an emergency.

4. UNICEF personnel involved in coordinating airdropped supplies should have and use air-band HF and VHF radio communications for air-ground communications. 5. UNICEF ground personnel involved in airdrops should have and use GPS units to accurately report their precise location to aircraft. For further information on how and what communications systems to purchase in your particular country, contact Opscen (212) 326 7222 or ITD, Mark Prutsalis (212) 326 7149.

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Emergency Programme Fund (EPF) EPF exists to facilitate UNICEF’s response to emergencies including both the provision of emergency assistance and the strengthening of UNICEF’s capacity at global level to respond to emergencies. The purposes of the EPF are to:

(a) meet interim emergency needs when no inter-agency appeal is launched; (b) provide an indispensable cash flow for initiating action in complex emergencies

pending the receipt of donor contributions;

(c) finance UNICEF participation in inter-agency assessment missions when the field offices are unable to support these costs;

(d) provide technical support for the development of various policy issues concerning

UNICEF emergency assistance and for training and security needs for UNICEF staff engaged in emergencies;

(e) support the humanitarian activities of the United Nations system.

Step 1 Examine the current status of your CPSS/PSS. Do you have any uncalled-forward spare GC funds or supplies purchased with GC funds up to $50,000? If so, you can divert them for emergency purposes. Rule for diversion: Can be done at the discretion of the Representative, but with the agreement of the Government (this requirement is waived if there are no recognized authorities with whom the Representative can negotiate). Has to be reported to the Regional Director. Step 2 Do you have funds or supplies over and above $50K that you ca reprogramme into emergency programme? Rule for reprogramming: Requires the agreement of the Government (the requirement is waived if there are no recognizable authorities with whom the Representative can negotiate) as well as the approval of the Regional Director. If the funds you want to reprogramme is supplementary funds, then you also need to obtain the consent of the concerned donor through PFO. Step 3

(Before proceeding to Step 3, you should make sure that you have made all possible efforts to take the first line of response to the emergency situation with the resources already at hand

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through Steps 1 and 2. This is one of the important factors for a favourable consideration in getting funds through Step 3). Contact EMOPS with a request for funds from the EPF. EPF are given primarily as a loan but can be also given as a net allocation without the condition of reimbursement. See attached guidelines on the EPF for details.

Epfguide.wpd

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Useful Websites for Natural Disaster Emergencies

GENERAL INFORMATION: The National Communications System (NCS) Emergency Response Link (ERLink) Program URL: http://www.ncs.gov/~nc-pp/html/erlink.htm Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Global Emergency Management URL: http://www.fema.gov/home/GEMS HazardNet: An International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) Demonstration Project URL: http://hoshi.cic.sfu.ca/~hazard The Natural Disaster Reference Database (NDRD) URL: http://ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/ndrd/disaster Subcommittee on Natural Disaster Reduction (SNDR) URL: http://www.usgs.gov/sndr/information.html GDIN Homepage URL: http://gdin.tasc.com Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership URL: http://www.emforum.org U.S. Geological Survey Hazards Page URL: http://www.usge.gov/themes/hazard.html

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EARTHQUAKES: U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Information URL: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/earthqk.html National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) and World Data Center A for Seismology URL: http://www.neic.cr.usgs.gov Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup URL: http://geophys.washington.edu/CREW/indext.html Southern California Earthquake Center URL: http://www.scecdc.scec.org/ The Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network Earthquake Information URL: http://www.geophys.washington.edu/SEIS/fingerquake.html U.S. Geographical Survey site on current earthquakes in Northern California URL: http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/QUAKES/CURRENT/latest?index.html U.S. Geographical Survey site on current earthquakes in Southern California URL: http://www-social.wr.usgs.gov/ FLOODS: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers URL: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/locations/bdry-pages U.S. Geological Survey Flood Information URL: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/flood.html

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CYCLONES/HURRICANES/TYPHOONS: U.S. Geological Survey Site on Coastal Storms URL: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/coast.html NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, Tropical Prediction Center URL: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.html Atlantic Tropical Weather Center URL: http://banzai.neosoft.com/citylink/blake/tropical.html FEMA Tropical Storm Watch URL: http://www.fema.gov/fema/trop.html Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center West Joint Typhoon Warning Center URL: http://www.npmocw.navy.mil/mpmocw/prods/jtwc.html LANDSLIDES: U.S. Geological Survey Landslide page URL: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/landslid.html Report on GIS-based Techniques for Mapping Landslides URL: http://deis158.deis.unibo.it/gis/chapt1.html Inventory Map of Landslides Triggered by the 1994 Northridge, California Earthquake URL: http://gldage.cr.usgs.gov/html_files/ofr95-213/TABLE.html TSUNAMIS: Tsunamis: an Inter-active, On-line, Tsunami Information Resource URL: http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/welcome.html West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center Home Page URL: http://www.alaska.net/~atwc National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), Boulder, Colorado, Tsunami Data URL: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/hazard/tsu.html FEMA Fact Sheet on Tsunamis URL: http://www.fema.gov/fema/tsunamif.html

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VOLCANOES: U.S. Geological Survey Page on Volcanoes URL: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/volcano.html Cascades Volcano Observatory URL: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/home.html Alaska Volcano Observatory URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/ Hawaiian Volcano Observatory URL: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/ Volcano Systems Center, University of Washington URL: http://www.vsc.washington.edu/ WILDFIRES: Fact sheet on Wildfires from the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey URL: http://www.nbs.gov/pr/factsheet/firerr.html Fact Sheet on the Role of Fire in the Forest Ecosystems from the Midcontinent Ecological Science Center (MESC), Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, and the University of Arizona’s Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research URL: http://www.mesc.nbs.gov/rbriefs/past-fires.html

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Emergency Operations Contact

Information

Security Coordinator: Marc Powe 212 326-7487 (office) 914 337-7505 (home) 917 913-2645 (mobile) OPSCEN (NYHQ): 212 326-7222 OPSCEN Fax 212 303-7924 e-mail: [email protected] Ray Baysden 212 593-0081 (home) 917 913-2643 (mobile)